Last month, Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL) and Triangle Pharmaceuticals (Durham, NC) announced a deal that significantly expands Abbott's antiviral portfolio. While Abbott currently owns two HIV protease inhibitors (Norvir, approved and ABT-378, in phase III development), Triangle has three nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of HIV and HBV. The companies will co-promote the six drugs in the US, but Abbott will have exclusive rights elsewhere. As part of the deal, Abbott will buy 6.57 million shares (∼17%) of Triangle stock for about $119 million, and will provide $31.7 million in research funding and up to $185 million in milestones. The companies, which hope to launch at least one new antiviral each year over the next four years, will share any profits. The deal gives money and validation to Triangle, which has been seeking a portfolio deal with one strong partner as an alternative to licensing global rights to multiple partners or being acquired. The combined HIV and HBV market accounts for $3.5 billion in worldwide sales.